SYRIAN forces have seized ground from Islamic State (ISIS) in a fierce battle to wipe out the last remnants of the jihadist group’s “caliphate”.

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have seized dozens of positions since beginning their assault on Saturday. But they have faced ferocious counter attacks from battle-hardened jihadis who stayed to defend their remaining territory. The SDF estimates between 400 and 600 militants remain inside the ISIS enclave, including foreigners who travelled to fight for the extremist group.